Socialize With Us

Equity and Social Justice

Activating philanthropy to shape a world where all people can flourish.* 

*borrowed from Audre Lorde

NCG embraces philanthropy's role in ensuring equity in our institutions, culture, and society. Exclusionary policies and systematic discrimination have restricted access to resources and power. We are committed to creating access and opportunities that address structural inequities and support social movements. 

We partner with members and organizations to address racism, sexism, homophobia, ableism, classism, and we pull together business, government, nonprofits, and our community to advance social justice. Examples include:

Defining our Terms

Equity. Equal access to opportunity, institutions, and resources by all people to enable them to participate, prosper, and thrive.

Social Justice. Systematic fair treatment by and within governmental, social, cultural, and community institutions that ensure equal economic, political and social rights and opportunities. 

Events

Equity and Social Justice programming coming soon. In the meantime, take a look at our past events.

Resources

Resources for Ending Excessive Sentencing & Punishments in California

This December webinar was presented by the California Criminal Justice Funders Group. 

Resources from Standing Together: Coalition Building to Stop Jail Expansion

Throughout the state of California, organizers and communities impacted by incarceration are demanding an end to jail expansion. On this webinar we heard about the lessons learned from JusticeLA’s victory and what is required to create successful and effective coalitions to end mass incarceration. We heard from organizers from Los Angeles and the Bay Area about the current status of the fights to end jail expansion throughout the state and the role of funders in advancing these campaigns.

Funding the Future: Fellowships for Formerly-Incarcerated People in California

The California Criminal Justice Funders Group is pleased to share our first-of-its-kind report “Funding the Future: Fellowships for Formerly-Incarcerated People in California.”

Protecting Our Children: A Policy Briefing Webinar

As public awareness about the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) grows, there have been a number of legislative initiatives within the state of California designed to support the screening, prevention, and treatment of childhood trauma.

Informing the National Perspective on Immigration Reform

Immigration issues have attracted significant attention over the past few years as changes in federal policies have ignited debates across the political spectrum.

All ESJ Resources

News

Wednesday, March 25, 2020
A Letter to Philanthropy from NCG’s New Co-CEOs

Three weeks ago, the two of us stepped into our new roles as acting Co-CEOs of Northern California Grantmakers. That was the same day the world learned we would need vigorous hand-washing and distance to protect each other and everyone in our community from a new rapidly spreading virus. A most unusual start in our roles. But, then again, these are most unusual times.

Alice Hom and Daniel Lau
Thursday, March 5, 2020
What We're Reading: March Equity & Social Justice Edition

March is about “springing forward” and with the daylight savings time, we’ll have more light to read articles that help us understand and interrogate systems that keep people from educational materials, financial capital, and basic care and support. Let’s pay attention to structural and institutional policies that don’t serve the collective well-being of our communities. 

Allison Magee
Thursday, February 27, 2020
A Rare Gift (and I Don't Just Mean the Krispy Kremes)

It’s hard to believe that in just a few years, Ellen and the NCG team have transformed the organization into what it is today. With over twice as many staff and a budget that’s almost four times the size, NCG is a force to be reckoned with. 

Thursday, February 6, 2020
A Series on Risk, Change, and the Year Ahead: A Conversation with Larry Kramer

I asked five foundation executives—private, public, family, tech, small and large—if they’ve taken any special measures to ready themselves for the year ahead. In our second installment, we hear from Larry Kramer, President of the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.

Thursday, February 6, 2020
What We're Reading: February Equity & Social Justice Edition

We’re leaping into this month with a list of articles about current events and how the past is framed depending on one’s viewpoint. Who has the power and privilege to name and frame ideas, historical events, and cultural practices? What’s our responsibility and willingness to address xenophobia, public health crises, or troubling policies? Finally, with an additional day for this month because of a leap year, we’re adding a timely bonus of census items.

All ESJ News